Reviews by rangerred:

Pours a clear dark ruby with a half finger off-white head. The head is very fluffy but thick and hangs around for a long time providing decent lacing.

Aroma has a very strong cherry note along with a touch of strawberry and grape. I can detect just a touch of darker fruit in the way of figs but it is pretty light. There is a slight bit of a metallic off note but it is so faint that it is almost not worth mentioning.

Lots of cherries up front in the taste mixed with a touch of brandy. Citrus is dominant in the flavor and there is a noticable lack of depth in the way of darker fruits, molasses, caramel, etc. Sweetness is there but it remains restrained with just a slight sticyness on the finish.

Overall, this beer exceeded my expectations coming from Sam Adams. It definitely lacks the depth and refinement of some Trappist beers but honestly for the price, it is really hard to beat this. (946 characters)

More User Reviews:

Wow! That pretty much sums up what I think about this beer. As usual, SA has exceeded expectations for me and this beer is outstanding! I was expecting a good brew, not an epic one! Very rarely will I buy multiple $10 bottles of beer, but I immediately went back to the store the next day and bought the last 7 they had. A beautiful pour of berries and oak hit you with a tasty aroma as soon as you uncork this masterpiece. It pours a beautiful dark ebony color, has the perfect amount of carbonation and lace without overpowering the tongue. Very smooth and not too overly sweet for being over 10% ABV and overall this is easily the best new brew I have tried in many months. Don't let the price tag scare you away, this is a world class and very beautiful beer. I would love to shake the brewer's hand who came up with this gem! (838 characters)

Pours out to a slightly hazy medium brown, forming a large mousse like yellow head with very good retention and lacing in part due to it's brisk carbonation, ~4.0 carbs or so. The nose is dominated with brown bananas and not much else. The mouthfeel is prickly due to the carbonation, which becomes slightly cloying as the gas dissipates. The taste reminds me much of an iced weizen bock due to the dominant bananas. There isn't much else there and lacks the complexity that belgian quads have. The bitterness is very mild and there is a peculiar metallic off taste throughout the finish. Warming and a touch boozy. I don't think they used candi syrup and just used sugar instead as there is none of the melanoidin one gets from candi syrup. Very cola like and sweet in the finish and aftertaste.

This just doesn't do too much for me. It's a decent brew but it lacks the complexity that I want and get in belgian quads. I woudn't turn it down, but can't really recommend it for quad loving friends. (1,272 characters)

Presentation: It was poured from an odd shaped brown 1pt. 9.4oz bottle into a tulip glass. The lable lists the abv at 10.2%.

Appearance: The body has a dark orange amber color with good clarity and visible carbonation. This is topped off with a tall light tan head. It’s head fades slowly to just a thin creamy film covering. Lacing coats the glass as I tip the beer to my lips then slowly slides down the sides of the glass.

Smell: The aroma has loads of dark fruit, holiday fruitcake and sweet maltiness.

Taste / Palate: There are nice sweet malt notes throughout. It has notes of dates, raisins, black currants and sweet bready/fruitcake like goodness. It’s hops add a touch of spice and herbal bitterness on the back end. The solid 10.2% abv adds a mild boozy warming feel. This all comes on nice medium to full feeling body with smooth carbonation. (860 characters)

Dark brown in color and nearly impenetrable to light. A quarter inch of beige head slowly diminishes to the point that it is only a trace and partially covers the top of the beer. In the aroma notes of raisins,plums, and a hint of clove are present. The flavor is much more intense than the aroma. Strong notes of Merlot,raisin,and alcohol are prominent. The alcoholic aftertaste is initially strong,but it mellows out as it warms. The mouth is fairly carbonated and sticky. I think this could have used cellaring. (514 characters)

Color is amazing. A beautiful amber color and my favorite is the head that stays for some time. Even the color of head is a great cream color.

The smell you first get is almost a wine smell from the raisins. Second comes a strong clove and molasses that really fills your nostrils. With a few more trying of aroma the dark fruits come in and compliments with a sweeter smell.

The flavors with the initial mouth full is powerful. Tons of flavors rush into the mouth and almost to much (for me). With a strong tingle in the front of the tongue it smooths over the rest and eases to the rest. With flavors the even tho the raisins are the first you smell they are the last you taste. First is the molasses and the dark fruits and both combined create an amazing taste.

Overall it's a great beer. From the amazing smell and an overall great taste it's a good beer to start the night or finish an amazing night with. (916 characters)

Appearance: Pours a thick semi-opaque ruddy amber, with a fairly large head yet no lace.

Aroma: Big and malty, with notes of leather, caramel, dried fruitcake, and a whiskey-like character.

Taste: I get more dried fruit, caramel, spice, yeast, and a warming finish that remains subtle for the heavy 10.2% ABV content. A solid and enjoyable sipper, tailor-made for a cool Fall or Winter evening. (396 characters)